Golf Accessory

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a golf ball support and height adjustment device. Embodiments can include a divot repair tool, a golf ball cleaner, a ball marker, a bottle opener and can include a tapered end that can be used as a golf club groove cleaner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 11/978,369 to Lance Lee Prickett, filed on Sep. 27, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the game of golf. Many items can be used by a golfer, such as for example, tees, ball markers, ball mark (divot) repair tools and items for cleaning the grooves located in the frontal surface of a golf club head. These items are typically held either in the pockets of the golfer or in a golf bag. The insertion and removal of these items can cause damage to a golfer's clothes and can be cumbersome to access.

Many devices have been devised in an attempt to facilitate the use and access to golf accessories. Some of these devices are golf related tools connected to a housing device by either pivotable or extending/retracting means, such as those of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,413,173 to Miller et al.; 5,388,824 to Reimers; 6,620,062 to Taylor et al.; 6,800,042 to Braithwaite; 6,220,973 to Hsu; and 6,837,807 to Kerr. Other devices include a fixed divot repair tool of a forked design such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,151,937 to Jarosh et al. and 4,960,239 to Wait. Other designs are holder and tool combinations such as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,872,155 to Jacome. Devices have also been developed to enable the height adjustment of a golf tee, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,729,977 to Young et al.; 6,811,499 to Hsien and D492,374 to Barouh.

The discussion of issued patents does not mean that the inventions or features contained therein are in the general body of public knowledge.

The applicant believes that the present invention possesses distinctions over what is known in the art and possesses advantages over what has previously been available.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a golf accessory apparatus that can include an assortment of various golf related tools.

The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a golf ball support height adjustment apparatus, a divot repair tool, a golf club groove cleaner and a bottle opener. The bottle opener can be capable of quickly and easily removing pry-off and/or twist-off tapered caps from bottles. The apparatus can also include a ball marker.

The invention can further include a carrying attachment that at least a portion of the apparatus can be inserted into. The carrying attachment can provide a degree of protection from a sharp end of the apparatus and can facilitate the carrying of the apparatus by a golfer in a pocket, purse, or other holder. The carrying attachment can allow the golfer to insert and/or remove the apparatus from a pocket or purse without the potential for damage from a sharp end or surface of the apparatus. Desirably the carrying attachment can include an attachment means to facilitate its carrying. The attachment means, such as for a non-limiting example, can be a clip or clasp type attachment that can engage to a belt, belt loop or other form of clothing or item that a golfer might be carrying. The attachment means can comprise a cord or other type handle or alternatively can comprise a snap type mechanism that can engage a corresponding snap mechanism that is attached to an article, such as a belt or golf bag.

The present invention provides, in another embodiment of the present invention, the combination of a golf ball support and a divot repair tool that can also serve as a golf ball height adjustment tool. The device can include one or more ball marker(s). The ball marker can be of a design as to be used as a golf ball cleaner and can be attached to the ball support in a manner to be readily attached or removed.

The device can further include a bottle opener and can include a golf club groove cleaner. The bottle opener can be capable of quickly and easily removing pry-off and/or twist-off tapered caps from bottles. The device can include a carrying attachment. Means for attachment can include a cord, strap, clip apparatus or a handle apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view according one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view of one embodiment of the invention comprising a carrying attachment.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic side view of an additional embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a bottle and a side view of the device shown in FIG. 5 illustrating an application of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will be described by way of examples with reference to FIG. 1 which are not to be construed as a limitation upon the apparatus elements of the invention. The present invention is directed to a golf accessory device that can function as a golf ball support. In some embodiments the invention can also function as a divot repair tool. Embodiments of the present invention can be used as a ball height adjustment apparatus and can facilitate other functions such as for example, ball marking, bottle/can opening and golf club cleaning.

A schematic side view of an embodiment is depicted in FIG. 1 and the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 is shown from a side view in FIG. 5. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 there is provided an embodiment of a golf tool 100 consisting of a first section 102 having a ball platform 104 that can be used as a golf ball support. The ball platform 104 can be of a flat or curved design that would facilitate the support of a golf ball. A concave curvature that would act to somewhat cradle a golf ball can be utilized. The contact area of the ball platform 104 with a golf ball can range from the entire upper surface area of the ball platform 104 to a minimal number of contact points, such as three, that can protrude from the upper surface of the ball platform 104. The first section 102 of the tool can also have a bottle opener 106 feature.

A second section 110 can have a tapered non-linear design, which can be used as a height adjustment device. The tapered non-linear design can comprise two or more sections, such as a top section 112 and a bottom section 114. In one embodiment the top section 112 can have a larger diameter than the bottom section to provide a stable base for the ball support while the bottom section 114 has a smaller diameter and a sharper taper for ease of insertion into the ground.

The bottom section 114 can be of a tapered design to facilitate insertion of at least a portion of the bottom section 114 into the golf turf, sand or other ground surface. The bottom section 114 can be used for divot repair and can have a tapered, sloped or pointed end 124 that can be used as a golf club groove cleaner.

The bottle opener 106 feature can be of any design that is capable of quickly and easily removing crimped on pry-off and/or twist-off tapered caps from bottles. In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 this feature can include an opening having a ledge 116 that can be utilized along with the underside 117 of the ball platform 104 such that the ledge 116 can be engaged and leveraged in a prying type action to remove the bottle cap. The underside 117 of the ball platform 104 can also be engaged with the tab opening of a container to facilitate its movement which leads to opening of the container.

The golf tool 100 can range from 2½ to 4 inches long, with desirable embodiments ranging from 3 to 3½ inches in length and can be constructed of a variety of materials. Embodiments can be made of wood, plastic, metal or other materials or composites of more than one material. Plastics such as, but not limited to, various grades of polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene and polystyrene can be used. Embodiments can also be constructed from certain metals or metal alloys, the embodiments made from metals can be coated by a second material such as plastics or rubber materials, for example, neoprene.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an embodiment of the invention is shown comprising a ball marker 118 that comprises a protrusion 120 and a rough surface 122 that can be utilized as a golf ball cleaner. The protrusion 120 can be used to engage the ball marker 118 with a recess 126 in the ball platform 104. When the ball marker 118 is engaged to the ball platform 104, the surface 122 of the ball marker can be used to support a golf ball in a golf tee arrangement. In one embodiment the surface 122 can comprise an artificial turf type material that can provide a support for the golf ball simulating actual golf turf while also providing a durable surface that can be used to clean the surface of a golf ball. In an alternate embodiment the surface 122 can comprise a number of raised protrusions, the protrusions can be made of material such as for example rubber or plastic that could provide support for the ball and also be used to clean the ball without damage to the ball or the surface 122.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the invention can further include a carrying attachment 130 that at least a portion of the apparatus 100 can be inserted into. In an embodiment the tapered, sloped or pointed end 124 of the apparatus 100 can be inserted into the carrying attachment 130 in a manner such that the apparatus end 124 will stay inserted into the carrying attachment 130 until sufficient force is applied to disengage the two. The carrying attachment 130 can provide a degree of protection from a sharp end of the apparatus and can facilitate the carrying of the apparatus by a golfer in a pocket, purse, or other holder. The carrying attachment 130 can allow the golfer to insert and/or remove the apparatus from a pocket or purse without the potential for damage from a sharp end or surface of the apparatus. Desirably the carrying attachment 130 can include an attachment means 140 to facilitate its carrying. The attachment means 140, such as for a non-limiting example, can be a clip or clasp type attachment that can engage to a belt, belt loop or other form of clothing or item that a golfer might be carrying. The attachment means can comprise a cord or other type handle or alternatively can comprise a snap type mechanism that can engage a corresponding snap mechanism that is attached to an article, such as a belt or golf bag.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the invention can further include an embodiment wherein the first section 102 containing ball platform 104 can be removable from the second section 110. In an embodiment, the ball marker is a ball marker ring 142 that can be stored between the first and second sections.

Operation of the bottle opener is shown in FIG. 6. To open by prying a crimped type tapered bottle cap also known as a crown cap, the opener may be tilted at an angle as shown in FIG. 6 A. In this position, the ledge 116 is inserted beneath the bottom edge 604 of the cap 602. The underside 117 provides a fulcrum on the top of cap 602 as the pointed end 124 is forced upward. This results in the prying off of the bottle cap 602. In an embodiment as shown in FIG. 6 B, the opener may be tilted in the opposite direction such that the underside 117 is inserted beneath the bottom edge 604 of cap 602 as the ledge 116 provides a fulcrum on the top of cap 602 as the pointed end 124 is forced downward, which results in the prying off of the bottle cap 602.

Within the present application the terms “comprise”, “comprising” and “comprises” shall have a non-exclusive meaning and that if an embodiment is said to comprise a certain feature the embodiment will have that feature but is not restricted in any way as to other features the embodiment may have.

Depending on the context, all references herein to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it may refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims. While the foregoing is directed to embodiments, versions and examples of the present invention, which are included to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventions when the information in this patent is combined with available information and technology, the inventions are not limited to only these particular embodiments, versions and examples. Other and further embodiments, versions and examples of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow. 

1. A golf accessory apparatus comprising: a golf ball support and height adjustment device having a first section comprising a ball support platform and a bottle opener, and a second section comprising at least one tapered portion, wherein the bottle opener is capable of removing crimped on pry-off tapered caps from bottles.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ball support further comprises a divot repair tool.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ball platform comprises raised contact points.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second section comprises a top section that is tapered and a bottom section having a sharper taper than the top section.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first section is removable from the second section.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, comprising a ball marker ring that can be stored between the first and second sections.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a ball marker that can be attached to the ball platform.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the ball marker comprises a protrusion that can be inserted into a recess located in the ball platform.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottle opener comprises a ledge and an underside.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the ledge can be inserted beneath the bottom edge of a bottle cap while simultaneously the underside can be placed on the top of the bottle cap.
 11. In combination, a golf ball support having a first section comprising a ball support platform and a bottle opener, a second section comprising at least one tapered portion and a divot repair tool that can also be a golf ball height adjustment tool, wherein the bottle opener is capable of removing crimped on pry-off tapered caps from bottles.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a ball marker.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the ball marker comprises a rough surface suitable for cleaning the surface of a golf ball.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a golf club groove cleaner.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the tool is at least partially housed within a holder.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the holder comprises an attachment means.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the attachment means comprises a clip for attachment to a belt, belt loop or bag.
 18. A golf accessory apparatus comprising: a golf ball support and height adjustment device having a first section comprising a ball support platform, and a second section comprising at least one tapered portion; a divot repair tool located in the second section; a bottle opener located in the first section; wherein the second section comprises a top section which is tapered and a bottom section having a sharper taper than the top section; further comprising a ball marker which can be attached to the ball platform wherein the ball marker comprises a protrusion that can be inserted into a recess located in the ball platform; wherein the ball marker comprises a rough surface suitable for cleaning the surface of a golf ball; and wherein the bottle opener is capable of removing crimped on pry-off tapered caps from bottles.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the ball marker surface comprises artificial turf material. 